Values Clarification & Life Alignment
A Therapeutic Worksheet for Discovering What Matters Most and Living Authentically
Part 1: Understanding Personal Values
Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important, meaningful, and worthwhile in life. They guide our decisions, shape our goals, and influence our sense of fulfillment. This assessment will help you identify your core values and evaluate how well your current life aligns with them.
1. How would you define "personal values" in your own words?
2. When you feel most satisfied and fulfilled in life, what values do you think you're honoring?
3. When you feel frustrated, stressed, or unfulfilled, what values might be getting neglected?
4. What values did you learn from your family, culture, or upbringing? Which ones still feel authentic to you?
UNDERSTANDING VALUES VS. GOALS
Values are directions, not destinations
Values:
- Ongoing principles (e.g., "honesty")
- Never fully "achieved"
- Guide behavior and choices
- Intrinsically meaningful
Goals:
- Specific outcomes (e.g., "get promoted")
- Can be completed or achieved
- Steps toward living values
- May lose importance once achieved
Part 2: Personal Values Inventory
Review the values below and check those that resonate with you. Don't overthink - go with your initial reaction. You can always refine later.
Relationships & Connection
Family
Friendship
Intimacy
Community
Love
Connection
Belonging
Loyalty
Personal Growth & Achievement
Learning
Growth
Achievement
Excellence
Mastery
Knowledge
Wisdom
Success
Character & Integrity
Honesty
Integrity
Authenticity
Justice
Fairness
Respect
Responsibility
Courage
Service & Contribution
Helping others
Making a difference
Service
Generosity
Compassion
Kindness
Social justice
Legacy
Independence & Freedom
Freedom
Independence
Autonomy
Self-reliance
Choice
Flexibility
Adventure
Spontaneity
Security & Stability
Security
Stability
Safety
Order
Predictability
Financial security
Tradition
Routine
Enjoyment & Well-being
Fun
Pleasure
Joy
Health
Fitness
Balance
Peace
Relaxation
Creativity & Expression
Creativity
Beauty
Art
Innovation
Originality
Self-expression
Imagination
Music
Spirituality & Meaning
Spirituality
Faith
Purpose
Meaning
Hope
Gratitude
Inner peace
Mindfulness
5. Add any important values not listed above:
Part 3: Values Prioritization
From all the values you checked above, identify your top 10 most important values, then rank them in order of priority.
Your Top 10 Core Values (in order of importance)
| Rank | Value | Why This Value Is Important to You |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 6 | ||
| 7 | ||
| 8 | ||
| 9 | ||
| 10 |
Part 4: Life Alignment Assessment
For each life domain below, consider how well your current life aligns with your top values. Rate each area and identify specific ways you could better honor your values.
Very Poor Alignment
Poor Alignment
Moderate Alignment
Good Alignment
Excellent Alignment
12345
Career & Work
Current Alignment Rating:
Values being honored:
Values being neglected:
How to improve alignment:
Relationships & Family
Current Alignment Rating:
Values being honored:
Values being neglected:
How to improve alignment:
Health & Self-Care
Current Alignment Rating:
Values being honored:
Values being neglected:
How to improve alignment:
Personal Growth & Learning
Current Alignment Rating:
Values being honored:
Values being neglected:
How to improve alignment:
Recreation & Leisure
Current Alignment Rating:
Values being honored:
Values being neglected:
How to improve alignment:
Community & Service
Current Alignment Rating:
Values being honored:
Values being neglected:
How to improve alignment:
Part 5: Values-Based Goal Setting
6. Based on your values assessment, what are 3 major areas of your life that need more alignment?
Area 1:
Specific values-based goal:
Action steps to honor this value:
Area 2:
Specific values-based goal:
Action steps to honor this value:
Area 3:
Specific values-based goal:
Action steps to honor this value:
7. What obstacles might prevent you from living more aligned with your values?
8. How will you remind yourself of your values during difficult decisions or challenging times?
Part 6: Weekly Values Check-In
Use this table to track how well you're living in alignment with your values each week.
| Week of: | Values Honored This Week | Values Neglected This Week | Overall Alignment (1-5) | Next Week's Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Part 7: Values Integration Assessment
Rate your progress in living authentically according to your values:
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
12345
Key Takeaway
Remember: Living according to your values is an ongoing process, not a destination. Values provide direction for your life choices and help you navigate difficult decisions. When you align your actions with your deepest beliefs about what matters, you experience greater authenticity, meaning, and life satisfaction. It's normal for values to evolve over time as you grow and change - the key is staying connected to what feels most true and important to you right now.